Congregation B’nai Tikvah Family Trip to Israel

Tuesday, July 3

Welcome to Israel

A member of our staff will meet you upon arrival at Passport Control at Ben Gurion Airport to assist you with arrival procedures. He will then see you to your guide, driver and touring vehicle that will drive you to your hotel to check in and freshen up. This evening drive to the Yemenite Quarter of Tel Aviv where you will enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern Welcome dinner and an itinerary briefing at the Maganda Restaurant. Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Wednesday, July 4

Touring in and about Tel Aviv After breakfast meet your guide, driver and touring vehicle that will drive you to participate in Leket Israel. Here you will have a chance to perform the mitzvah of

gleaning the fields of leftover vegetables. The food is collected and donated to the needy. Continue to Holon Children's Museum to experience "Dialogue in the Dark" In completely darkened rooms blind people lead small groups of guests through an exhibition in which everyday situations are experienced altogether differently, without eyesight. Return to Tel Aviv and stop

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Wednesday, July 4 continued… at the famous Carmel Market a bustling open air bazaar filled with spicy and mysterious aromas and lots of colorful wares for sale. Enjoy lunch at the Market (own account). After lunch drive to the spectacular “Palmach Museum”. Through a modern multi-media presentation on the history of the Palmach from 1941 to the War of Independence learn about the establishment of the State of Israel. The story tells of the struggle against the British, the illegal immigration, reflecting the

m o t i v a t i o n a n d dedicat ion of the youth in their fight for independence. Drive to the Lone Soldiers center to meet with lone soldiers that come from all over the world to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, hear their experiences first hand. Return to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure down on the beach or at the hotel (your hotel is located on the beach).

Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Thursday, July 5

Touring in and about Tel Aviv Drive to Rehovot to visit the Ayalon Institute ("the bullet factory"), a clandestine operation that manufactured armaments right under the noses of the British! Return

to Tel Aviv to take a stroll through Neve Zedek, one of the first neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, for a short tour to see the meticulously restored historic homes. Then visit the Independence H a l l w h e r e B e n G u r i o n d e c l a r e d t h e establishment of Israel on May 14, 1948.

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Thursday, July 5 continued… Sit in the very same room where our founding fathers sat on that historic day! Head to Jaffa, one of the oldest biblical cities in the world and an important seaport since antiquity. Visit the restored Old City including the artists' colony and the quaint harbor. At the Port of Jaffa, board a boat for a cruise along the Mediterranean shoreline. Return to your hotel. Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Friday, July 6 Along the Mediterranean Coast

Check out of your hotel this morning. Depart Tel Aviv heading north along the coast to Caesarea for a short tour of the site. Proceed to Kfar Kedem near the Mishnaic city of Tzippori, accompanied by a local guide enjoy a donkey trek in the footsteps of the sages and fun activit ies making pitta bread, olive oil pressing and more followed by a

Talmudic style lunch. Ascend the Golan Heights and board awaiting jeeps to ascend the Golan Heights. During the course of the expedition, you will pass former Syrian army headquarters and positions overlooking the Galilee. Stop off along the way to dip in the cool spring waters. Proceed to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Shabbat Dinner is included for you tonight at your hotel. Overnight – HaGoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Saturday, July 7 Shabbat at leisure

No guide or touring services are provided today. Relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. You could take a walk along the Jordan River or take advantage of the hotel facilities such as the spa or the hotel swimming pool (spa treatments should be reserved in advance). Join in Shabbat Prayers at the hotel Synagogue.

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Saturday, July 7 continued… Lunch is included at the hotel. Towards the evening as Shabbat concludes, participate in a Havdallah service. Dinner is included for you tonight at your hotel. Overnight – HaGoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Sunday, July 8

The Golan Heights From the hotel head to one of the sources of the Jordan River for a nature walk at the Dan Nature Reserve. Onwards along the battlefields of the 1973 war to an active IDF unit to meet with the troops, defending Israel's northern border (pending Military confirmation). Then, atop the Golan to the summit of Mount Bental, a volcano, from

w h e r e t h e r e i s a superb view of the Israeli – Syrian lines. Hear of the battles and the history that have t aken p l a c e between Israel and Syria from 1948 to date. Nearby visit the 'De Karina' chocolate factory in Ein Zivan

that makes hand made chocolates. Here you may take part in a fun workshop making and tasting chocolate using the finest quality ingredients. Conclude the day with some refreshing water fun. Stop off at one of the outdoor activity centers in the Galilee region to experience an exciting rafting trip down the Jordan River. Sit back in the raft and be taken along the flowing waters of the river. Return to your hotel to freshen up. Dinner is included for you tonight at your hotel. Overnight – HaGoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Monday, July 9

From the Hills of the Galilee to Jerusalem

Check out of your hotel and drive south to the Bat Ya'ar Horse Ranch to “Saddle up” and take a scenic horseback ride through the

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Monday, July 9 continued… magnificent countryside. Proceed to Safed, the city of the mystics to visit the synagogues of Rabbi Isaac Luria and Rabbi Joseph Karo. There will also be time to wander about the alleys, lanes and art galleries of the Old City of Safed. Stop at Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu situated in the fertile Beit Shean valley. Meet an expert who will take you on a tour of this unique Kibbutz that boasts clean air and a chemical free environment, view organic farming at its best. Learn about the biological pesticides that are mass produced as natural enemies for biological pest control. Also see how Barn Owls are used. Hear how bumble bees help natural pollination in green houses and open fields, all this is used to protect the environment. Ascend to Jerusalem. Before entering the eternal city, take a moment to stop at Mount Scopus and participate in an emotional moment when the congregation partake in an age-old tradition of saying the "Shehecheyanu" and "Borei Pri Hagefen" blessing as pilgrims did when approaching Jerusalem for centuries. Arrive at your hotel and check in. Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Tuesday, July 10

Touring and excavating in the Judean Hills This morning head down to the City of David, the site of Biblical Jerusalem and the capital of King David.  Walk King Hezekiah's water tunnel engineered some 2,700 years ago (Please bring flashlight, water shoes and a change of clothes as you will get wet). Southwest of the Temple Mount are the Southern Wall Excavations where some of the most important archaeological discoveries have been unearthed, proving this to be one of the key areas

of Jerusalem. See Hulda's Gate and walk up the impressive ancient staircase that was the main entrance through which worshippers entered the Second Temple's compound. Drive westward through the Judean Hills to the Ella Valley, to the top of Tel Azeka.  From the peak of Tel Azaka, learn of the famous battle between "David and Goliath" which took place at the bottom of the Tel over three thousand years ago. Travel on in the green Hills of Judah to the Beit Guvrin region and the land of a thousand caves for a tour of the ancient excavated caves that different civilizations used for various purposes.  While here you will have a chance to participate in an

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Tuesday, July 10 continued… actual archaeological excavation and tour the caves (closed shoes should be worn at this site). Return to your hotel. In the evening, stroll down Ben Yehuda Street, one of the favorite gathering places for young Jerusalemites. Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Wednesday, July 11

Kings and Rebels in the Desert of Judah Depart Jerusalem and drive east through the Judean Desert the mountain-top fortress of Masada for an in-depth tour of the site. Ascend the cliff top fortress by cable car. From the top of Masada, the outlines of the Roman encampments are still visible below. Continue to the oasis of Ein Gedi for a hike through the cascading waterfalls, where you may even get to see wild animals roaming freely in the dese r t . S t op a t a location on the shores of the Dead Sea where you can stop to enjoy a therapeutic dip in the Dead Sea. Let the buoyant waters support you as you relax on your back. Return to Jerusalem. This evening view the amazing S o u n d a n d L i g h t S p e c t a c u l a r Show at the David's Tower ( J a f f e G a t e ) where you will be treated to a colorful series of moving images that turn the massive walls, arches, towers, turrets and archaeological ruins into lifelike depictions of events that took place over the millennia. Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday, July 12

Mazal Tov Bnai Mitzvah Day This morning head to the Old City of Jerusalem together with your family and friends to celebrate the Bnei Mitzvah Ceremony at the Southern Wall/Robinson’s Arch (Ezrat Israel area); adjacent to the Western Wall. After the ceremony tour the Western Wall and Western Wall Tunnels to see the archaeological discoveries excavated in a vast concealed tunnel along the Western Wall (pending confirmation). On to the Jewish Quarter including

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Thursday, July 12 continued… the Cardo. Then return to your hotel to rest and freshen up. Tonight dine in true Moroccan style at the beautiful Darna restaurant. The decoration of the walls, ceilings and the tiled flooring are all authentic as is all the furniture - brought especially from Morocco. The food is excellent and is served in original Moroccan crockery. Let Middle Eastern music sweep you away, as a belly dancer, dressed in her elaborate glittering costume, performs for you to round off the evening. Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Friday, July 13 The New City of Jerusalem

Start the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, where, accompanied by a local curator tour the central memorial and museum dedicated to the Holocaust. Next meet culinary

expert who will take you on a special tour in the Mahane Yehuda Market place. She will introduce you to some of the shop keepers to see their wonderful produce and hear their stories and sample their produce. Return to your hotel to freshen up. This evening return to the Old City to join in the Shabbat Services and welcome the Shabbat at the Kotel (Western Wall) and notice how peop le f rom a l l corners of the world gather together with one purpose in mind, to

welcome the Shabbat Bride at the holiest place on earth for Judaism and join in with the locals singing Shabbat songs or at a local Synagogue. Return to your hotel where Shabbat dinner is included for you tonight. Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Saturday, July 14 Shabbat in Jerusalem

Enjoy the day at leisure today. Lunch is included for you today at your hotel. A light dinner is also included at your hotel early this evening. As Shabbat concludes, participate in a Havdallah service at the hotel. Late check out is included. A Mabat driver will meet you prior to your departure flight for the transfer to Ben Gurion Airport. A member of our staff will assist you with departure procedures

Ba'Shana Ha'Ba'a B'Yerushalaim- Next Year in Jerusalem!

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..oOo.. Q U O T A T I O N

The following is based on the above itinerary:

HOTELS: Accommodation at hotels includes full Israeli breakfast daily and hotel service charge. The price has been based on the following hotels:

July 3 – 6 (3 nights) Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv (Deluxe rooms)

July 6 – 9 (3 nights) HaGoshrim Hotel, Galilee (Classic rooms)

July 9 – 14 (5 nights) + Late check out Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem (Deluxe rooms)

Upgrades are available upon request.

Total cost per person sharing a double room in groups of the following sizes:

Number of Guests Price Per Person Sharing a double room

Child up to 12 years old as a third person in a room

Child from 12-18 years old as a third person in a room

Single Supplement(one person in a room, supplement to be added to the per person cost)

40-44 full paying guests

$3520 $2388 $2593 $1550

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MEALS: In addition to the complete Israeli breakfast served daily, we have included the following meals

• Tuesday, July 3: Welcome Dinner at Maganda Restaurant, Tel Aviv. • Friday, July 6: Lunch at Kfar Kedem, Galilee. • Friday, July 6: Shabbat Dinner at HaGoshrim Hotel, Galilee • Saturday, July 7: Shabbat lunch at HaGoshrim Hotel, Galilee • Saturday, July 7: Dinner at HaGoshrim Hotel, Galilee • Sunday, July 8: Dinner at HaGoshrim Hotel, Galilee • Thursday, July 12: Dinner at Darna Restaurant, Jerusalem. • Friday, July 13: Food samples at Mahane Yehuda Market. • Friday, July 13: Shabbat Dinner at Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem • Saturday, July 14: Shabbat Lunch at Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem •

OTHER SERVICES IN ISRAEL: • One group VIP meeting/assistance upon arrival before Passport Control. • Entrance fees to the various parks and sites as per the itinerary. • Bottled mineral water on touring vehicle throughout. • One group VIP meeting/assistance upon departure in the Terminal. • Tips for guide and driver

TOURING SERVICES INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: • One group arrival transfer from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv. • Eleven days of touring with a professional English speaking tour guide • Eleven days services of a driver in a vehicle licensed/ insured for tourism. • All tour coordination services. • All gratuities for driver and guide. • One group departure transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport.

THE ABOVE TOUR IN ISRAEL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • Cost of round trip airfare from country of origin to Israel. • Any expenses of a personal nature. • Meals other than those indicated. • Spa treatments. • Beverages at meals. • Any guests at meals other than the participants of the party. • Personal health insurance, insurance for baggage, personal items, trip cancellation

or interruption.

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HOTEL POLICY: The hotel rates above are the "Best Available Rate" as of today and not reserved. Once rooms are reserved and confirmed the rates may fluctuate slightly, based on the correct price on the day of booking. We will always do our best to minimize cost increases.

PLEASE NOTE: The above-suggested program includes many elements that have not yet been booked. They are pending final booking and confirmation. As such, there may be slight changes in the final program. The above cost is subject to change at any time as per notice from hotels and other suppliers of services. If number of participants and/or rooming arrangements and/or flights schedules are changed, the price will have to be revised.

GRATUITIES IN ISRAEL: Gratuities for your driver and guide are included. It is customary also to tip your airport drivers, bellboys and hotel staff. This is of course left up to your discretion.

PASSPORT / VISA INFORMATION: All passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the USA.  Note that upon entering Israel, your passports are no longer stamped. Instead you will receive a formal stamped form with a visa valid for 3 months.  Please keep this form as you will need it for hotel check in, car rental, bank affairs, entry to the Knesset, etc.

TERMS OF PAYMENT: 1. A deposit of $1,000.00 per person is required to assure reservations. 2. 60 days before arrival 50% of the total amount is required. 3. Final and full payment is required 30 days prior to arrival.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If cancellation is received in our office: 1.      Up to 60 days before arrival date – $1,000 per person will be charged. 2.      Between 60 – 30 days before arrival – an additional $1,000 per person will be

charged. 3.      Within 30 days of arrival - full payment will be charged. 4.      Cancellation of various elements in the program less than 48 hours prior to the

event may well result in a full cancellation charge.

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NEW VAT TAX REGULATIONS: Please be aware that according to the new Israeli tax laws, being strictly enforced by all hotels, all guests holding Israel citizenship, even those with dual citizenship/passports both for individual travelers and guests part of a group, or invited local guests, will be charged VAT tax. Therefore, we need to receive this information in advance in order to finalize the bill. Should we not get this information in advance, and hotels charge us VAT tax, be aware that we will charge you with this extra amount retroactively.

INSURANCE: Insurance for baggage, personal items, health coverage and trip cancellation and interruption is not included, but is highly recommended. We suggest obtaining coverage through your local provider.

RESPONSIBILITY: Mabat Platinum Ltd. and Sababa Travel, (hereinafter called the Tour Operator) and Sababa Travel, acts only as an agent for the various companies, owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other services. All exchange orders, coupons and tickets are offered subject to the Terms and Conditions under which such services are offered or provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall be deemed to be consent to the further conditions that the Tour Operator shall not be in any way liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in any vehicle, or through the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger/s or of any hotel proprietor, personnel or servant otherwise in connection therewith. The airline and transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act; omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour announced in this program and to make such alterations to the itineraries as may be found desirable for the proper carrying out of the tours. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable in the Tour Operator's discretion to alter the arrangements or itineraries for the passenger/s comfort or welfare or for any reason whatsoever, such alterations may be made without penalty to the Operator. The Tour Operator reserves the right to change any hotel/s listed with one of a similar category if circumstances necessitate. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passenger/s. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any group at any time.

Sababa, Sharon Rockman

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